Lifespan extending agent

Abstract

A lifespan extending agent that is safe for animals, and can easily be ingested in a form that resembles foods. A lifespan extending method is also disclosed. In the lifespan extending agent, a rare sugar usable as a sweetener is contained as an active ingredient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of extending lifespan of a subject by enhancing a production or activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the subject, comprising:
 preparing a composition comprising isomerized sugars which contain D-psicose or D-allose; and   administering the composition to the subject in need of enhancing the production or activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the subject.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition is prepared as the isomerized sugars which contain 0.5 to 17.0% D-psicose or 0.2 to 10.0% D-allose with respect to a total sugar content in the composition. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the isomerized sugars are prepared through an isomerization treatment of a mixture of D-glucose and D-fructose under such conditions that the treated mixture contains 0.5 to 17.0% D-psicose or 0.2 to 10.0% D-allose. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the isomerization treatment utilizes at least one selected from the group consisting of a basic ion-exchange resin, an alkali, and a calcium salt. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the administration comprises administering the composition for a period of time sufficient to subject the subject to intake calorie restricted conditions and enhance the production or activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the subject.